Blog

Alex Rumble - Employee of the Year!

posted 11th April 2013 From part-time waiter to Employee of the Year! When Alex Rumble took a part-time job at the hotel he had little idea that it would lead to a long-term career.  However, just over a year since being appointed the hotel's Conference & Banqueting Supervisor he has been named Employee of the Year. Alex, who comes from...more info

Barberellaaaa Blog

Posted 14th January 2013 We were delighted when we spotted this lovely blog on twitter this morning!  Barberellaaa attended a slightly different style of wedding here at the Grand over the weekend!! The Bride and Groom had a blessing in one of our ceremony rooms followed by a very traditional Afternoon Tea with  Shelley van Loen and the Palm Court...more info

Ramblings from a Sussex Mummy

Posted 14th December 2012 Here at the Grand Hotel Spa it is always a delight when guests contact us to say how much they enjoyed their day with us!  This comes in various forms from telephone calls to texts and e-mails!  Our latest one came via twitter with a link to a lovely blog from @SussexMummy who came to visit late November...  we thought...more info

The Grand Staff 'Claims to Fame'!

'Claim to Fame' moments from around the Grand! Posted 6th December 2012 With Christmas just around the corner, we thought we might have a little festive fun and ask all our staff if they had a 'Claim to Fame' they might like to share!  Obviously working at England's only 5 Star Seaside Hotel, many examples have been during working hours!.......more info

An award winning bear.... that's me!

Posted 16th November 2012 As you know, I don't generally like to 'blow my own trumpet' but I must confess to being ever so slightly chuffed when I was told a couple of weeks ago that I had been nominated for my first ever award!  What a great feeling to be nominated for doing something you just love to do....for me that's travelling of course....more info

Claude The Grand's travelling Bear !

A potted history of Claude... the Grand travelling bear! Posted 2nd November 2012 Hi there!  I'm Claude and I think I have the best job in the world.  So what do I do I hear you ask?.... Well I am the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne's travelling bear! Let me explain some more.... About two years ago I was picked from all the 'Grand Bear' hopefuls that...more info

Ben and Sarah Jane's wedding

Posted 14th September Big thank you to Ben, Sarah Jane and Andrea Sarlo for allowing us to use the splendid images from their wedding here last weekend.  Congratulations from all at The Grand and some stunning lasting images too.....  Click on the link http://www.andreasarlo.com/blog/2012/09/sarah-jane-ben-their-wedding-at-the-grand-eastbourne/ more info

Clocking up the Years

Posted 23rd August 2012 This Tuesday just gone (21st Aug) we at the Grand celebrated another Long Service lunch.  This is an Elite Hotels tradition and all staff of 5 years or more service are eligible.  Always a popular event, this year was no exception!  I thought you might be interested in some 'facts and figures' surrounding this special event...more info

News from the Grand Kitchens!

Announcement of Success... Posted 13th August 2012 I am delighted to report the news that Oliver Smith has passed his 3 year Specialised Chef's Apprenticeship with Distinction. This Apprenticeship is run in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College and the Academy of Culinary Arts. Oli is the first apprentice at the Grand to have achieved a...more info

A Mini Break at The Grand

Posted 15th June 2012 Well I picked the right weekend. A couple of weeks ago, the better half and I headed down to the coast for a mini break away from the norm of life in South west London.  We opted for the bus to Clapham Junction and the train from there on to Eastbourne.  I am sorry to say this, but I must admit that I thought Eastbourne had...more info

A Beachscape Photographer's Paradise!

Eastbourne is rather unique in several ways, one of which is its amazing suitability for Beachscape photography. As many will know, the best conditions for photography are taken in the light, known as the 'golden hour'...just before sunrise and similarly before sunset. Most locations offer scenery that is suitable for one but not the other...more info

What is a Grand Wedding like?

Slightly different angle for today's blog. Gail and Gavin had their wedding celebrations with us in December and very kindly agreed to take part in a case study for our latest newsletter... So we thought you might be interested to have a read too. Tables named after rugby players, personalised menu cards, snowflakes and an Elvis impersonator all...more info

Triathlon here we come!...

Well, it is that time of year again! And if, like me, you have maybe slightly overeaten, over indulged and have a waist that feels a little like Santa's now is the time to get back on track! The trick is to have a goal to aim for! For me it's a Triathlon. I was training one of my Personal Training clients in the gym here at the Grand and we...more info

All I want for Christmas...

I was recently asked by a client what my perfect Christmas presents would be - using the new products and treatments now available in the Grand Spa'.. All I want for Christmas is the amazing Kerstin Florian Neroli Water to hold and seal my make-up in place whilst I rush through the stores looking for Christmas presents for the family; the girls...more info

Not a Bridezilla in sight!

Meeting all the couples arriving at the recent Wedding Showcase here at The Grand took me back a decade or so when I was the one getting excited about the prospect of holding my own special day at this wonderful 'wedding cake of an hotel' ! The blushing brides to be, (hand in hand with their fiancees) still fumbling with their engagement rings...more info

The Twelve months of Christmas..

With just over seven weeks until Christmas, most preparations are already in hand here at the Grand, I am reminded that thoughts and plans for this special time continue throughout a hotel year. In the first week of January, we aim to rebook successful festive bands for 11 months hence. Also in January we have a debrief meeting with all Managers...more info

A Grand Wedding Showcase

Twice a year we host our own Grand Wedding showcase day. We have tried it on various days during the week but feel that a Sunday seems to be the best choice. So we open our doors to all from 10am - 3pm. All our banqueting rooms are specifically set up as if a wedding is about to take place, ensuring everyone visiting sees just how beautiful they...more info

The Mirabelle Wedding Experience

Now this is fairly new to the Grand and already we have had a some bookings, so obviously a popular alternative to a 'big do' The Mirabelle as I am sure you know is our fine dining restaurant here at the Grand and the kitchen is awarded with 2 AA Rosettes. But it can also be hired out for what we think is the Ultimate venue for a small wedding!...more info